A Personal Hike Through Photography at Kettle Creek

The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists' Reception on Saturday May 2^nd for their exhibition titled, “A Hike Through the Poconos and Beyond (aka Up Close and Personal).” The exhibit features the photographic works of Marlana DeAngelo Holsten and James Chesnick who have become well known for their exemplary skills in the art. The stunning images of wildlife and landscape the uber-talented photographers captured revealed the essential qualities of their subjects and allowed the viewer who moved from one image to another in the Center's Gallery to explore the connectivity of all life in the natural world which included their own.

The thoughtful and searching gaze found in the eyes of the animals depicted in Ms. Holsten's work and the expansive scope of Mr. Chesnick's hills and valleys touched the soul and inspired conversations among the visitors to the exhibit that originated in the heart. It could be said that the complimentary words shared during these conversations were only a natural response to what each individual gained from the viewing of the work which is a wonderful thing in and of itself. But, I feel it was more than that. The uncanny ability of the photographers to bring out the beauty of their subjects also extended to an ability to summon the beauty found within the viewer as well and this affected the tone and nature of the conversations that were shared throughout the late morning and early afternoon hours.

After viewing the work, I wandered outside to enjoy the marvelous warm day and partake of the sights offered in The Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary which is adjacent to the center. The beauty of wild flowers adorned the landscape of the 166 acre preserve which I only experienced a small portion of. I have learned that the sanctuary has over 2½ miles of maintained and well marked trails that are managed by The Monroe County Conservation District. I look forward to returning to the center so I could fully explore the grounds and gather the gifts it has for those who walk them. I hope you'll come with me. In the meantime, you'll find more photographs taken during throughout the day in The Kettle Creek Artists' Reception 05-02-15 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153826591783761.1073741845.91146283760&type=1. You'll also find photographs taken during this and other art related events in our Creative Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.819876711417115.1073741834.250942068310585&type=1 as well as images taken in other venues in Our Pocono Art District 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153087858925421.1073741965.636000420&type=3.

The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center in Stroudsburg, PA provides year-round environmental education programs for people of all ages. The Center was created in 1976 and is dedicated to fostering community awareness through first-hand experience of the natural environment of the Poconos Region of PA. The Center has offered a wide range of programs throughout its existence and always strives to improve and expand its offerings. You'll be able to learn more about The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center and all it has to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kettle-Creek-Environmental-Education-Center/136678029730752?fref=ts&ref=br_tf or The Monroe County Conservation District website at www.mcconservation.org.

The “A Hike Through the Poconos and Beyond (aka Up Close and Personal)” featuring the photographic works of Marlana DeAngelo Holsten and James Chesnick will be on display at The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center in Stroudsburg, PA until May 30^th. The work is pleasing to the eye and inspires a deeper appreciation of the natural world. I recommend it being visited. The next exhibition scheduled to be shown at The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center is titled, “Economical Creations” featuring the works of Deborah Lacey. The exhibit will hold an Artist's Reception beginning at 11am on Saturday June 6^th and will continue to be on display in the Center's Gallery until June 30^th.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.